Reviewed by Jon Merwin, owner, Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance
If you know us from a home in New Hampshire, you may not realize we can insure your Massachusetts home too. We’re licensed in Massachusetts and work with MA homeowners from our offices in Portsmouth, NH and Stratford, CT, by phone, email or in person.
We’re an independent agency, open since 2005, with a team of 15. That means we don’t work for one insurance company. We compare 30+ carriers, show you what each policy actually covers, and can reshop it if your renewal goes up.
What a Massachusetts homeowners policy needs to get right
Massachusetts doesn’t require you to carry home insurance by law, but your mortgage lender almost certainly will. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance explains this, and how a typical policy is put together, in its Understanding Home Insurance guide. These are the parts we spend the most time on with MA homeowners:
- Dwelling limit based on rebuild cost. Not what you paid, and not the assessed value. Older Massachusetts homes with plaster walls, slate roofs or custom millwork can cost a lot more to rebuild than the sale price suggests.
- Wind and hurricane deductibles. Near the coast, many policies carry a separate deductible for named storms or wind. We point it out before you buy, not after a storm.
- Water. Burst pipes are usually covered; flooding isn’t. Sewer and drain backup is often an add-on. See our flood insurance page for how NFIP and private flood fit in.
- Liability and umbrella. Pools, dogs, teen drivers and rental units can all be reasons to consider an umbrella policy.
Coastal and high-value homes
If your home is on the water or worth well above average, a standard policy can leave real gaps: replacement cost caps, low limits on jewelry and art, or no coverage for a guest house. For these homes we work with high-value carriers including Chubb, Cincinnati, Hanover, Openly, National General and Andover. Our high-value home insurance page and our article on high-value coastal homes in Massachusetts go deeper. For wind deductibles, flood and rebuild costs on the coast, see our coastal Massachusetts high-value home insurance page.
If you’ve been turned down
Roof age, past claims or a coastal address can get a home declined. We’ll try the carriers that might say yes first. If no one in the regular market will write it, the Division of Insurance points homeowners to the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (the FAIR Plan). We can help you look at that option alongside anything else that’s available.
Live on the North Shore? Our Newburyport home insurance guide covers Plum Island flood and erosion, historic downtown homes and wind deductibles, all handled from our Portsmouth, NH office.
We also have town guides for Brookline home insurance (historic homes, condos and two-families) and Marblehead home insurance (coastal, historic and high-value homes).
Homes in more than one state
If you own in Massachusetts and somewhere else, such as a lake house in New Hampshire, a cottage in Maine or a condo in Florida, we’re licensed in 10 states (NH, CT, MA, RI, VT, ME, NY, FL, IL and OH), so one agent can line up your policies, liability limits and renewal dates. Read more about second and seasonal home insurance, or see our guide to insuring a second home on Cape Cod, the Islands or the Massachusetts coast.
Wondering what it costs?
Every home prices differently, so we won’t guess here. Our guide How Much Is Home Insurance in Massachusetts? walks through what drives the price. For your actual number, request a quote.
Massachusetts homeowners insurance FAQ
Is homeowners insurance required in Massachusetts?
There’s no state law requiring it, according to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, but mortgage lenders generally require it as a condition of the loan. Even without a mortgage, your home is usually your largest asset, so most owners keep coverage.
Can a New Hampshire agency insure my Massachusetts home?
Yes. Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is licensed in Massachusetts, along with New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New York, Florida, Illinois and Ohio. You can work with us by phone, email or in person at our Portsmouth, NH or Stratford, CT office.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Massachusetts?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Flood coverage comes from a separate NFIP or private flood policy. NFIP policies generally take effect 30 days after purchase, so it’s worth arranging early. If your home is in a flood plain, your lender will require flood insurance.
What if no company will insure my home?
Tell us what happened and we’ll check the carriers that may still write it. If the regular market says no, the Massachusetts FAIR Plan offers homeowners coverage to people who have been declined elsewhere.
Which carriers do you use for high-value Massachusetts homes?
For higher-value and coastal homes we work with carriers including Chubb, Cincinnati, Hanover, Openly, National General and Andover. We compare 30+ carriers overall.
Sources: Massachusetts Division of Insurance, Understanding Home Insurance and Frequently Asked Questions about Homeowners Insurance; FEMA, FloodSmart.gov.
Talk to a licensed agent: (603) 431-4020, insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com, or start a quote online. Our main office is in Portsmouth, NH; see all the places we serve on our service areas page.